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CCM students prepare for next step after graduation

When the two years of hard work toward earning an associate degree is over, most County College of Morris graduates continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

Transferring to another institution is a process that requires preparation and planning.

Students who are uncertain on how to get ready for this next step can catch monthly “Transfer 101” meetings in Henderson Hall, room 212.

On Feb. 20, Dean of Students Jan Caffie and counselor Kaitlin Najjar assisted students who are transferring this fall.

“Transferring is not as difficult as everyone thinks,” Caffie said. “The biggest factor is to do your research well, know exactly which schools you would like to attend, and most importantly make sure you meet their criteria.”

In order to graduate, CCM students must fill out a graduation application and those graduating this fall should apply by April 1, according to CCM’s website.

Caffie advised students to be familiar with the deadlines of all institutions they apply to, because once a deadline is missed, students won’t be able to enroll until the following semester.

“My advice to students is to apply to at least three schools,” Caffie said. “I believe students should dream about their go-to institution, but I’ve seen cases where for some reason a student isn’t accepted and they do not have a backup plan.”

The application process for students’ primary school choice is the same for their secondary choices, according to Caffie. Application forms can be found on every institution website.

Soon-to-be CCM graduates should request a transcript form at the Office of Records and Reg- istration located in the Student Community Center, and indicate where the transcripts should be sent. Once the form is filled out with all the institutions’ addresses, it is CCM responsibility to make sure those get delivered, Caffie said.

Demi Jorge, a fine arts major at CCM, is planning to transfer this fall to The University of Arts in Philadelphia.

“That institution was my first choice because it has everything I want,” Jorge said. “There are a lot of art stores and galleries nearby. It is a great area for me to be in, and I will learn a lot there.”

Jorge’s second alternative is Moore College of Art & Design, also located in Philadelphia.

“I’ve fill[ed] out almost all of the transfer paperwork,” Jorge said. “I attended this meeting be- cause I had some questions about how to submit my SAT score to The University of Arts, since they required that, and the counselors provided all the information for me to do that. It was very helpful.”

Caitlin Hatehard, an exercise science major at CCM, wishes to transfer to East Stroudsburg University next spring.

“It is only 45 minutes away, so it is perfect for me because I like to be close to home,” Hatehard said. “I also would like to play soccer there. I used to play in high school but I got hurt, so it would be nice to play it again.”

Hatehard, is considering Montclair State University and Bloomsburg University as her second options.

Caffie and Najjar recommended students take advantage of their spring break and attend institutions’ open houses.

“It is very important for students to visit their desired schools before applying,” Najjar said. “An open house is an opportunity to get a better feel of the campus and the area they are going to be spending most of their time in.”

Upcoming “Transfer 101” meetings are scheduled for March 20, April 1 and April 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Students who can’t meet this time are encouraged to contact Transfer Services and schedule a private session at transferservices@ccm.edu.

For those students who are unsure of which institution to attend next, CCM is hosting the Transfer Fair at 10 a.m., March 20, in the Student Community Center.

More than 30 schools are confirmed to show. New Jersey senior institutions, as well as popular out-of-state institutions, will provide information on transfer admissions procedures and academic programs.